Yukon Surficial Geology Polygons with 80% Territory Coverage

Over 195 compiled surficial geology maps provide approximately 80% coverage of the Yukon territory. The Yukon Geological Survey standardized maps ranging from 1:250,000 to 1:10,000 scales, preserving original feature descriptions and converting them to a terrain classification system. Polygon attributes include surficial material, texture, age, surface expression, and geomorphological processes.

Use Cases

• Model permafrost distribution and stability using polygon attributes like surficial material and surface expression.
• Assess granular resource potential for infrastructure planning by analyzing surficial material and texture data.
• Classify landforms for ecological studies by mapping glacial landforms (e.g., eskers, moraines) and non-glacial landforms (e.g., landslides).
• Support mineral exploration by identifying geological contacts and glacial limits captured in the line features.

Strengths

• Compilation of over 195 individual maps provides extensive spatial coverage.
• Standardized attributes using the Yukon terrain classification system enhance data consistency.
• Includes multiple feature types: polygons, lines (e.g., contacts, landforms), and points (e.g., field stations, permafrost features).

Limitations

• Spatial overlap between maps at different scales (1:250,000 to 1:10,000) may create interpretation conflicts.
• Data completeness is estimated at 80% territory coverage, leaving gaps in some areas.

Provenance

Source

Yukon Geological Survey, compiling maps from Geological Survey of Canada, Yukon Government, universities, and City of Whitehorse.

Collection Method

Compilation and standardization of existing surficial geology maps into a GIS format.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated March 2026.

Geography

Yukon Territory, Canada.